ISLE OF MAN 1 Crown 1997 Silver Proof 'Iriomote Cat - History of the Cat'

Description

ISLE OF MAN 1 Crown 1997
IRIOMOTE CAT - HISTORY OF THE CAT
The Isle of Man launched a series of crowns depicting the History of the Cat. These coins trace the development of the cat from wild origins to its revered position in ancient Egypt and to the modern-day Manx Cat from the Isle of Man.
Cats can be traced back to ancient times in Egypt and Rome.About 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians carved wooden figures of cats. They also made furniture and jewelry in the shape of cats. In ancient Rome, the cat was a symbol of liberty.
The
Iriomote Cat
, only recently discovered has one of the most restricted distribution of all
Wild Cats
in the world with population count believed less than 100 in the world. Classification is still being debated to this day, with some scientists considering them to be a sub-species of the
Leopard Cat
. The Iriomote Cat was discovered only as recently at 1965. These cats take their name from their homeland and are found only on the Island of Iriomote, a small island East of Taiwan.
Extremely rare, the Iriomote Cat has a lifespan in the wild of 15 years. Their coat is dark brown marked with spots that blend into longitudinal striped bands extending down their backs. Relatively the size of a domestic cat, they have long bodies, with short legs and tail.
The Iriomote Cat is a good example of an animal which may survive through
Ecotourism
with this cat promoted very successfully as a main source of appeal by the Iriomote Island tourism industry.
Limited Mintage  .
Coins specification :
1 Crown 1997 28.28 g., 0.925 silver 38.5 mm. km-779
History of the Cat
- Mayailurus Iriomotensis
comes in its original capsule , including Mint Box & Certificate of Authenticity .
Rare coin
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